Scientists confirm efficacy of cannabidiol in a type of genetic epilepsy

An international study that marks a turning point

A recent study published in the scientific journal Epilepsy has taken an important step forward in the knowledge of the cannabidiol (CBD) and its use in cases of epilepsy of genetic origin. The research, released as part of the Latin American Epilepsy Day, The event, with the participation of 27 medical centres from Argentina, Spain, Italy and Denmark.

The results are encouraging: the Purified pharmaceutical CBD significantly reduced seizures in patients with epilepsies. monogenic, Those that are caused by mutation of a single gene and are often difficult to treat with conventional medicines.

What is epilepsy and why is this study important?

The epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects more than 50 million people in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. Each year, about 2 million new cases, Although treatments are available, not all patients respond adequately.

Within this disease there are the so-called monogenic epilepsies, which account for approximately 5 % of cases. They usually appear in childhood and, in many cases, are resistant to traditional drugs, severely affecting the quality of life of sufferers and their families.

That is why a compound such as Pharmaceutical CBD The fact that the new study shows strong evidence of seizure reduction is a breakthrough with great clinical relevance.

Findings of the study on CBD and epilepsy

Key data

• Duration of monitoring: 5 years
• Patients assessed: 266
• Participating medical centres: 27 in Europe and Latin America
• Results:
  • Average crisis reduction: ≈38-40 %
  • Patients with ≥50 % reduction: ≈47 %
  • Crisis-free patients: 7 %
  • Overall clinical improvement reported by physicians: 65 %

Additional benefits observed

In addition to crisis reduction, CBD showed improvements in:

• Quality of sleep
• State of alert
• Behaviour and general well-being

Safety of pharmaceutical cannabidiol

Specialists reported that the safety profile of CBD was favourable. The most frequent adverse effects were:

• Drowsiness
• Gastrointestinal discomfort

In most cases, these effects were mild and transient. The adherence to treatment exceeded 80 %, indicating good tolerance.

It is important to note that the study was carried out with Purified and pharmaceutical grade CBD (Epidyolex® in Europe and Convupidiol® in Argentina), not with oils, flowers or derivatives of general sale.

CBD and precision medicine

This study is a pioneering study to assess the impact of cannabidiol on epilepsies with a clear genetic basis, as the Dravet syndrome or the Lennox-Gastaut. This opens the door to the so-called personalised medicine, where treatments are tailored to the genetic characteristics of each patient.

Regulation of CBD in Spain and Europe

At Spain and in the European Union, pharmaceutical CBD Epidyolex® Epidyolex is approved by the European Medicines Agency as an adjunctive treatment in:

• Dravet syndrome
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Tuberous sclerosis

In the US, the FDA has also authorised it in patients aged 1 year and older.

On the other hand, the CBD products available in online shops (CBD flowers, oils, vapers) are legal as derivatives of industrial hemp, but are not authorised for medical use nor should they be used as a substitute for professional treatment.

The study confirms that the Pharmaceutical CBD is an effective and safe option for reducing crises in monogenic epilepsies, a group of rare and difficult-to-treat diseases.

While the results are very promising, specialists remind that only a doctor can indicate and supervise the use of CBD for therapeutic purposes..

Important note for readers in Spain

This article is news.
The Pharmaceutical CBD can only be used under medical prescription.
CBD products available in shops as flowers, oils or vapers include legal in Spain, but are intended for other uses and they are not medicines.